Colloquialisms

Legal writing is formal writing. The primary
goal is to communicate ideas clearly and efficiently. An occasional rhetorical
flourish can be useful to emphasize a point, particularly in persuasive
writing; however, one should not run the risk of losing or confusing important
legal ideas under the weight of flowery prose. The ideas are more important
than the prose. Similarly, one should not "write like one talks." We often
use colorful or colloquial phrases in spoken English that are inappropriate
in formal written English. Be sure to edit these phrases out of your written
work, replacing them with more precise language.

Incorrect:
On arriving at the scene of the crime, the officer tore up the stairs in
search of the big enchilada.

Correct: On arriving
at the scene of the crime, the officer ran up the stairs in search of the
leader of the crime syndicate.

In the preceding example, the colloquial
phrases "tore up the stairs" and "big enchilada" have more than one meaning.
As a result, more precise language is more appropriate.

Incorrect:
On December 12, 1992, Ms. DeWitt kicked the bucket.

Also
Incorrect: On December 12, 1992, Ms. DeWitt passed on to her heavenly reward.

Better:
Ms. DeWitt died on December 12, 1992.

In the preceding example, the first
incorrect composition contains slang, which is generally inappropriate
in legal or other formal writing. The second inappropriate example avoids
"street talk," but goes too far in the other direction and sacrifices conciseness.